Seed Testing Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Seed Testing Market is segmented By Testing Type (Germination Test, Emergence Count, Vigor Test, Moisture Test, Seed Count, Purity Test, Others) By Service Type (Off-Site, On-Site) By Seed Type (Cereal Seeds, Vegetable Seeds, Flower Seeds) By End-User (Seed Manufacturers, Government Organizations, Research Organizations, Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Seed Testing Market Overview

Global Seed Testing Market reached US$ 800.1 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,299.5 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Farmers and agricultural stakeholders are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of seed quality in achieving optimal crop yields and profitability. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on seed testing to assess factors such as germination rate, purity, moisture content, and seed health. The expanding agriculture industry has also led to increased demand for seeds across diverse crop types. This, in turn, fuels the need for seed testing services to maintain quality standards and meet market demands.

Advances in technology have revolutionized seed testing methods. In November 2022, the ENVIS Centre of the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), introduced "Forest Seed Science and Technology," a real-time, interactive smartphone application.  The Android-based software provides comprehensive information on seed collecting, processing, storage, testing, breaking dormancy, and various seed treatment techniques to improve the germination of the corresponding species.

Germination test accounts for over half of the market share due to its pivotal role in assessing seed viability and quality. Similarly, North America dominates the seed testing market, capturing the largest market share due to its advanced agricultural infrastructure, stringent regulatory standards, and widespread adoption of innovative seed testing technologies.

Seed Testing Market Scope

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Seed Testing Market Dynamics

Increasing Demand for High-Quality Seeds & Crops

As the global population continues to expand, there is a growing need to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security. High-quality seeds with desirable traits such as improved yield potential, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional value are essential for achieving these objectives. Seed testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, purity, and viability of seeds before they are planted.

By assessing factors such as germination rate, seed health, genetic purity, and the presence of pathogens or contaminants, seed testing helps identify and eliminate inferior or defective seeds. In August 2023, the Federal Government of Abuja, Nigeria,  introduced the upgraded Central Seed Testing Laboratory (CSTL) in the National Agricultural Seeds Council(NASC). With cutting-edge machinery, it has been modernized to an international standard.

Increasing Investment by Seed Manufacturers in Seed Testing Facilities

 Increasing investment by seed manufacturers in seed testing facilities is a significant driver for the growth of the seed testing market. With the rising demand for high-quality seeds and the need to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards, seed manufacturers are increasingly focusing on enhancing their seed testing capabilities. Investments in state-of-the-art seed testing facilities allow manufacturers to conduct comprehensive analyses of seed quality, purity, and viability.

In July 2022, Syngenta opened its brand-new Global Vegetable Seeds Quality Control Lab in Nampa, Idaho, to a hundred visitors. This facility builds on the $30 million Trait Conversion Accelerator that was established at the location in 2019 and represents a $15 million investment in global seed health. Modern confined environment growth rooms and precision testing are aspects of the 37,000-square-foot quality control facility that will improve seed health for clients of vegetable seed and the worldwide vegetable business.

High Initial Investment and Lack of Standardization

Setting up a seed testing facility requires substantial investment in specialized equipment such as moisture meters, germination chambers, seed counters, and purity analyzers. The cost of acquiring and maintaining this equipment can be prohibitive for new entrants or smaller seed testing laboratories. In addition to equipment costs, establishing a seed testing facility necessitates investment in infrastructure such as laboratory space, climate-controlled storage facilities, and utilities.

The construction or renovation of laboratory facilities to meet regulatory standards adds to the initial investment required. Additionally, seed testing methods and protocols may vary between countries or regions, leading to inconsistencies in test results and hindering the harmonization of seed quality standards. This lack of standardization can create challenges for seed companies operating in multiple markets.

Seed Testing Market Segment Analysis

The global seed testing market is segmented based on testing type, service type, seed type, end-user and region.

Germination Test’s Pivotal Role in Assessing Seed Viability and Quality

Germination tests have the highest share in the seed testing market due to their fundamental importance in assessing seed viability and quality. Germination testing involves the process of planting seeds under controlled conditions to determine their ability to sprout and grow into healthy plants. This test is widely utilized by seed producers, distributors, and regulatory authorities to evaluate the performance and potential of seeds for planting purposes.

 In May 2022, to assist farmers, AgroStar Quality Assurance Lab (AQAL) opened India’s Largest Agri Advisory Centre and Seed & Fertilizer Quality Assurance Lab. The lab can perform seed testing under ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) guidelines. Tests such as the standard germination test, physical purity test, moisture test,  relative humidity maintenance, temperature monitoring, and periodic germination sample monitoring will all be performed by AQAL. More than 150 seed germination and other tests have already been conducted in the seed lab.

Seed Testing Market Geographical Penetration

North America’s  Robust Agricultural Sector & Increasing Investments by Various Companies

North America holds the highest share of the seed testing market due to several factors driving its growth. One key factor is the region's strong agricultural sector, which demands high-quality seeds for crop production. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding seed quality and certification contribute to the demand for seed testing services. Moreover, increasing investments in research and development activities aimed at improving seed quality and crop yields drive the demand for seed testing services in the region.

In May 2021, SGS enhanced Seed Testing for Cross-Border Exports from North America. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)  formally accredited both the SGS flagship US laboratory in Brookings, South Dakota, and its Sherwood Park, Alberta laboratory. These facilities now complement each other for seed testing and sampler services.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis On Seed Testing Market

The market faced disruptions in the supply chain due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and labor. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global economy and halted the key processes of almost all companies. Therefore, even the global seed testing market suffered due to it. The disturbances in supply chain management and transportation of goods and services restrained the growth of the market. Many testing units were disrupted due to the government-enforced lockdowns and curfews across the world which led to losses and wastage of many seed testing machines.

The pandemic also significantly changed consumer demand and behavior. Consumers refrained from purchasing non-essential products amid the pandemic. The uncertain and unexpected situation caused by the pandemic significantly impacted the market hence, slowing its growth. However, the post-pandemic scene has improved and the seed testing market has recovered. The market is set to grow at a high rate.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the seed testing market by disrupting supply chains, causing uncertainty in trade relations, and leading to increased prices of agricultural inputs. With Ukraine being a major exporter of agricultural products, including seeds, the conflict has raised concerns about seed availability and quality assurance. Moreover, the instability in the region has led to a decline in investor confidence and agricultural investments, further impacting the seed testing market.

Key Developments

• In April 2022, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) announced the launch of www.seedtest.org, its new website. The updated, advanced, and more organized website reflects ISTA's superior work, skill, and experience in a relevant and enhanced design, extremely useful features, and easily navigable and significant information.
• In February 2022, the International Seed Testing Authority (ISTA) authorized the seed testing lab that the Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Authority (TSSOCA) constructed in Rajendranagar, Telangana, under the Telangana International Seed Testing Authority (TISTA) name. It is the country's second public-sector seed lab to receive ISTA approval.
• In January 2021, Agdhi, a startup in the agriculture industry, announced the launch of a technology to evaluate seed quality that is based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI vision technology provides effective techniques for seed quality analysis and classification when combined with photometry, radiometry, and computer vision.

Seed Testing Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, AMM Seed Testing, Inc., 20/20 Seed Labs Inc., Eurofins Scientific, PGRO, SoDak Labs, Inc., CSP Labs, RANSOM SEED LABORATORY, INC., Intertek Group plc, Lifeasible

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global seed testing market segmentation based on testing type, service type, seed type, end-user and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of seed testing market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global Seed Testing market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 73 figures and 186 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies